THE OFFICIAL
ONLY FROM REDWOOD MEDIA
A RATING
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Joe Dudek
Joe Dudek’s career story is a powerful testament to what happens when passion meets purpose. A seasoned executive with over 15 years of experience leading a $40M global division in corporate media, Joe’s talent for steering organizations to new heights is unmatched. He drove a staggering 265% growth, nearly tripled sales, and transformed business outcomes. But while his professional achievements were noteworthy, it was his desire to create a lasting impact that led him to redirect his skills toward an even greater cause.
Today, as the executive director of Help for Kids - The Exchange Club Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse in Stamford, Connecticut, and the national president-elect of the National Exchange Club, Joe brings the same strategic prowess to the nonprofit realm, where he’s on a mission to change lives. Under his visionary leadership, Help for Kids has soared—growing from a $500K organization to a $3M powerhouse, expanding its staff from 4 to 15, and securing a transformative $2.4M grant from the State of Connecticut. Joe’s ability to chart a bold path forward has positioned Help for Kids as a community leader, championing the fight against child abuse through comprehensive education and outreach.
Founded in 1989, Help for Kids is more than a nonprofit—it’s a lifeline. With a relentless focus on breaking the cycle of child abuse and neglect, the organization offers home-based interventions for at-risk families, bringing hope and resilience to countless children across Fairfield County and beyond.
As the national president-elect of the National Exchange Club—a 113-year-old service organization with 15,000 members and 600 clubs nationwide—Joe’s mission is clear: to build stronger communities by supporting veterans, first responders, local governments, and schools, while empowering families to create brighter futures. With a Fordham University background in marketing, finance, and economics, Joe is already driving these vital efforts forward, ensuring that the voice of every child and community resonates across the nation.
Joe recently shared his insights on the journey from corporate media to nonprofit leadership, his approach to growing organizations, and the family legacy that inspires his commitment to community service.
Joe, what compelled you to leave a successful career in the corporate world to lead nonprofits?
I felt it was where I was truly meant to be. I spent 15-20 years at Cox Media as the VP general manager, overseeing my own division. In 2015, I joined the board of Help for Kids, and by 2017, when Cox sold off its media division, I had the opportunity to step into a more hands-on role. I was already serving as president of the board and had just helped secure a $2.4 million, three-year grant from the State of Connecticut to expand our programming. The board asked me to become the executive director, and I embraced the chance to make a bigger impact. That same year, I was elected to the National Exchange Club’s board of directors.
I even turned down a job offer after leaving Cox because I felt this shift was leading me to use my talents to benefit the community and the world in a greater way. I wanted to leverage my skills and media connections to raise visibility and engagement for these organizations, helping people understand how vital it is to support their communities. It’s all about connection—whether it’s parents connecting with their children through our programs or communities coming together. That’s what makes life meaningful, and that’s what I want to inspire.
Tell us about Help for Kids. What types of programs do you provide?
Help for Kids provides direct in-home services aimed at preventing child abuse and supporting families across the U.S. A cornerstone of these efforts is the Healthy Families America (HFA) program, which was introduced to expand and strengthen the Center’s impact. HFA is a pre- and post-natal support program designed to help pregnant women manage stress, anxiety, and trauma, while educating them on caring for their newborn. The program offers continued support for three to five years after the child’s birth, focusing on reducing adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) that can lead to serious health issues, such as heart disease and cancer, later in life. By addressing these challenges early on, the goal is to ensure children have a healthier and happier future. Launching HFA was a strategic move to secure federal and state funding, which has been instrumental in growing the organization’s reach and impact.
As national president-elect, you’re a third-generation member of the National Exchange Club. Will you share a bit about this legacy and your role?
I’ve been a proud member of the National Exchange Club for 21 years and became involved on the national level in 2017, and serving as a foundation trustee from 2022 to 2023 before being elected national president-elect. My role is to connect with members across the country, support them in delivering impactful programs in their communities, and oversee the board that guides the organization’s strategy, vision, and planning. Community service has always been a part of my life—my father was a dedicated member, and now my two daughters are continuing that legacy as well. Giving back and serving others is truly a family tradition.
Lastly, Joe, how does your experience in corporate media play a role in your success in helping to grow these nonprofit organizations?
I leverage my corporate media experience to increase visibility and engagement for Help for Kids and the National Exchange Club, using many of the same strategies that proved successful at Cox Media. Most nonprofits still rely heavily on traditional methods, so I focus on bringing in fresh marketing and PR approaches to broaden reach and enhance support. For example, I purchased and wrapped a Tesla Cybertruck as a mobile billboard—something common in corporate but rarely seen in nonprofits. This innovative tactic, along with a consistent media plan, has helped turn Help for Kids from a small $500K organization into a $3M nonprofit with a much stronger presence and reach.
Joe Dudek
Executive Director: Help for Kids - The Exchange Club Center for the Prevention of Child Abuse
National President Elect: National Club Exchange.
Website: https://helpforkidsct.org